S3.E5-Harlem 1935: The Riot That Shook a Nation

In this episode of Black Washed History, we dive into the Harlem Race Riot of 1935, often considered the first modern race riot in the United States. Sparked by rumors of police brutality against a Black teenager, this event was fueled by economic hardship, racial discrimination, and police violence, culminating in widespread unrest.

We’ll explore the root causes, key events, and long-term impact of this historic uprising, as well as the findings of the Mayor’s Commission on Conditions in Harlem. How did systemic oppression contribute to Harlem’s breaking point? And what lessons can we learn from this moment in history?

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Transcript

A riot is a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd, often involving destruction of property, clashes with authorities, and general chaos. Riots typically arise from social, political, or economic grievances, such as racial injustice, government policies, or economic hardship. Unlike protests, which can be peaceful, riots are characterized by disorderly and aggressive behavior, often leading to injury, arrests, and significant damage.

Thank you for joining me today on Black Washed History. I would like to give a special shout out to Deborah from Youngstown Ohio for being a premium subscriber to the show. If you love black washed for as little as $4 a month your support helps fund mission of unveiling lesser known aspects of history and supporting  back office staff in bringing cultural education content to light. 

I opened up todays show defining a riot. Throughout the course of history there have been dozens of riots for the injustices against  African Americans  You may be familiar Tulsa Riot as it has garnered significantly more attention and media coverage.  Did you know that on this day March 19, 1935 Harlem erupted into chaos…

 So what happened? And why 

 In the early 20th century, Harlem emerged as a vibrant center of African American culture, giving rise to the Harlem Renaissance. However, by the 1930s, the Great Depression had taken its toll, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship. African Americans, in particular, faced severe discrimination, often being the first to lose their jobs and the last to be rehired. Housing discrimination and police brutality further exacerbated tensions in the community. 

On March 19, 1935, a seemingly minor incident acted as the catalyst for a significant upheaval. Lino Rivera, a 16-year-old Black Puerto Rican, was caught attempting to steal a penknife from the S.H. Kress dime store on 125th Street. The store owner decided not to press charges, and Rivera was released. However, rumors quickly spread that Rivera had been beaten or even killed by the store owner. These unverified accounts ignited anger and concern among Harlem residents. 

 By evening, a large crowd had gathered outside the store. Tensions escalated, leading to clashes with the police. The unrest continued into the night, resulting in three deaths, numerous injuries, and extensive property damage estimated at $2 million. Notably, African American-owned businesses were largely spared, as the anger was directed primarily at white-owned establishments. 

 In response to the riot, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia established the Mayor’s Commission on Conditions in Harlem to investigate the underlying causes. The commission’s report highlighted systemic issues such as employment discrimination, inadequate housing, and aggressive policing as contributing factors to the unrest. Despite these findings, meaningful reforms were slow to materialize, and similar grievances would lead to subsequent riots in Harlem in 1943 and 1964. 

 The Harlem Race Riot of 1935 is often regarded as the first modern race riot in America, marking a shift from conflicts between racial groups to confrontations between African American communities and systemic structures of oppression. This event underscored the urgent need for social and economic reforms—a call that resonates in ongoing discussions about racial justice today.

 Thank you for joining us on this episode of black washed history .” We hope this exploration of the Harlem Race Riot of 1935 provides insight into the complexities of our past and informs our understanding of present challenges. Until next time, stay curious and stay informed.